Over 12,000 expectant mothers in Osun State on Tuesday, received free delivery Kits under the ‘Saving One Million Lives’ initiative of the Federal Government and the Osun State Government.

Each of the delivery kits tagged “Mama kit” contained several items necessary for delivery such as chord clamps, mucus extractors, sterile gloves, baby soap, towels, a set of baby cloth, sanitary pads, among other things.

Speaking at the flag off of the programme, Governor Aregbesola said the gesture is to support pregnant women and ensure they have everything necessary for a safe delivery.

According to him, it is aimed at increasing the quality of healthcare at centres across the state and to help provide clean and safe delivery for women who give birth in hospitals and clinics.

The focal person for the Federal Government Social Intervention Programme, Idiat Babalola, also noted that the objective of the programme is to reduce child as well as maternal mortality rates.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu who revealed that the State Government had also launched an HIV test kit, said the ‘Mama Kit’ is to ensure safe delivery and serve as a constitutional means of preventing needless deaths.

He explained that since the inception of the programme in Osun State, all hands have been on deck towards its successful implementation.

The Commissioner also added that health workers have been properly sensitized and trained on how to handle deliveries while steps are being taken to incorporate traditional birth attendants into the modern health care systems.